New First-Year Students

The University Honors Program recommends applicants have an ACT score of 25 and a high school cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher. Application is still highly encouraged if students do not meet one or both of these guidelines but are interested in joining the program. The Honors Council reviews each application individually and takes into account the rigors of high school classes, leadership positions, and overall involvement in school, work, or the community. To apply, please submit the following:

A complete application (below)

A resume` that outlines advanced coursework, leadership positions, extracurricular activities, and other involvement in school, work, and the community.

An application essay. Please see the essay requirements below.

One letter of recommendation from a teacher; a letter from an employer can be substituted if you have been out of school for more than three years. This letter should be submitted separately via email to the Director of the University Honors Program, Dr. Courtney Huse Wika. Letters addressed to Dr. Huse Wika will also be accepted at University Honors Program, 1200 University St., Spearfish, SD, 57799.

The Application Essay

This essay is an opportunity for you to demonstrate your writing abilities and distinguish yourself in your own voice. Please upload the essay with your online application in a Word document or PDF file; be sure to include your full name, email, and address at the top of the page. The essay should be 250-450 words and should respond to one of the following prompts:

In the University Honors Program, we not only embrace the geek in each of us, but celebrate it. Tell us about your inner geek.

If you were to write an autobiography, what would we read on page 126?

French novelist Anatole France wrote: "An education isn't how much you have committed to memory, or even how much you know. It's being able to differentiate between what you do know and what you don't." At this point in your life, what don't you know?

Remember, there are no right or wrong answers. Be yourself. Be sincere. Be as creative as you please.

Continuing/Transfer Students

Interested continuing and transfer students with a 3.3 GPA are encouraged to apply before their sophomore year for the bachelor's track or before their second semester for the associate track. Requirements are as follows:

A complete application (below)

A resume` that outlines advanced coursework, leadership positions, extracurricular activities, and other involvement in school, work, and the community.

One sample essay, research paper, or creative work of at least three pages written for any college course. Submit this via the application below.

One letter of recommendation from a faculty member who is familiar with your academic work. This letter should be submitted separately by the faculty member via email to the Director of the University Honors Program, Dr. Courtney Huse Wika. Letters addressed to Dr. Huse Wika will also be accepted at University Honors Program, 1200 University St., Spearfish, SD, 57799.

Apply Today

If you have not already applied at Black Hills State, you will need to apply through Admissions in addition to completing this form.